The general science of infection prevention and control can be applied to and adapted for a variety of settings, including kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Strategies can be implemented in the classroom and whole school environment to prevent a wide array of illnesses caused by both bacteria and viruses. This science brief presents findings…

At every stage since the start of the pandemic, decisions across education and care have been informed by the scientific and medical evidence -- both on the risks of COVID-19 infection, transmission and illness, and on the known risks to children and young people not attending school and college -- balancing public health and education…

Background: Influenza is a major cause of seasonal viral respiratory illness among school-aged children. Accordingly, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) coordinates >800 school-based influenza immunization clinics before each influenza season. We quantified the relationship between student influenza vaccination in Arkansas public schools…

The goal of safely and sustainably reopening K-12 school buildings for in-person learning is widely recognized as critical to minimizing the impact of academic, social, emotional, and mental strains brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order for in-person learning to succeed on an ongoing basis, schools must be able to offer safe…

Working while ill (presenteeism) with symptoms of influenza-like illness can contribute to outbreaks, but little is known about school nurse presenteeism. Missouri Association of School Nurses members (N = 396) were sent a survey in 2013/2014. A chi square test was conducted to compare having a school culture that encourages presenteeism versus…

This article makes the case that there has been insufficient global attention to the health and development of children in the second decade of life. The author uses her vantage point of UNICEF to identify that institution's history of accomplishments for younger children and the opportunity to increase its work on adolescents, in collaboration…

School districts in locations across the country are now in the process of considering what their role will be in the event that the United States happens to be hit by a bird influenza pandemic. There are some school districts which have already been drafting plans covering such issues to be examined as communicating with the parents of their…

This article highlights the importance of the school nurse and immunization programs in fighting contagious diseases which have in the past harmed many young children. (SJL)

Reviews the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to specifically address the injuries sustained through vaccination. The compensation program allows special education for children permanently injured by vaccines. Analyzes selected cases. (57 footnotes) (MLF)

During the 1970's many children lacked immunization against one or more of the major childhood diseases. Recently the number of cases of childhood diseases has declined dramatically. The schools are the focal point for disease prevention. Outlined are 10 steps to continue to ensure childrens' health. (MD)

This handbook was developed by the Bureau of School Health Education and Services of the New York State Education Department to provide school authorities with a guide for an effective school immunization program. It offers direction for local development of immunization policies and procedures, an overview of effective program activities, a…

This manual for the school health programs in New Mexico contains a composite of procedures used in school health services, healthful school environment maintenance, and health science instruction. These procedures are used by physicians, dentists, nurses, teachers, etc. to appraise, protect, and promote optimum health of students and school…

This manual aims (1) to provide a standard, well-referenced resource for Iowa special education nurses and (2) to provide direction and continuity for health services to pupils with special needs. The first chapter provides an overview of the special education nurse's role, including philosophy, definitions of assignments, levels of service, and…

Covers recent court decisions on the legality of required sex education courses and required immunizations. Also reviews decisions on schools' rights in preventing some students from participating in organized sports and summarizes the expected school roles in cases of communicable disease and in possible instances of child abuse and neglect. (JW)

The goal of the Universal Child Immunization Program, adopted by the World Health Organization in 1977, is to inoculate by 1990, every child in the world against measles, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and polio. By 1987, nearly 80 countries had undertaken or were planning immunization programs. These diseases, combined with…